George Dobell at Worcestershire (493) v Leicestershire (404 and 174-7)

It’s funny. On the way to New Road this morning, I spoke to the batting coach Gary Palmer on the phone. He mentioned that, of all the players he’s worked with, few stood out more – not least for the way he played the short ball – than Zak Chappell. So it was a surprise to see Worcestershire try and bounce him out first thing this morning. They did, to be fair, get him out that way in the first innings – he was caught fending off a short one for 48 – but here he seemed to settle in nicely. Anyway, they’re off for rain at the moment but they’ll be back on in a few minutes. We've lost three overs and Leicestershire now lead by 85.

Maybe the next Darren Stevens? I can hear Peter Moores' chequebook rustling already.

by StaggerBreaths9/15/2017 10:08:36 AM

George Dobell at Worcestershire (493) v Leicestershire (404 and 162-7)

Hello from New Road. If you could buy shares in people you should put your shirt on Zak Chappell. He’s not especially highly rated at present, but he can bowl quick – just about as quick as anyone in the county game – and he can really bat, too. The new Ben Stokes? Not quite. But he’s pretty good and should have a fantastic future. Anyway, he’s batting nicely here. With Josh Tongue trying to bounce him out – why, I do not know – he has slapped a quick 40 (32 balls) and put on 50 with Lewis Hill for the eighth wicket. The Leicestershire lead has, as a consequence, grown beyond 70 with power to add.

by George.Dobell9/15/2017 10:05:24 AM

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Middlesex 177-9 v Hampshire

Amid all the pontificating about muddy patches and Storm Aileen, Hampshire have kept things simple. They even had a game of bowls yesterday afternoon to kill some time between inspections. When they've made it onto the field, they've been on the money. Ollie Rayner's wicket was a bit of a gift, finding Crane at forward square leg. A low catch was taken and Rayner was happy to take the fielder's word. Soon after, John Simpson was dropped in the cordon on 16 (he has since drive Edwards for four to move to 20) while Fidel Edwards picked up his fourth by trapping Tom Helm in front. Bonus points seem a long way away...